Parliament's Public Accounts Committee has summoned corporate lobbyist Ms Niira Radia and Tata Group Chairperson, Mr Ratan Tata, on April 4 to discuss their role in the 2G Spectrum allocation case.

Sources said the PAC will meet on April 4 and 5 to discuss the 2G spectrum allocation case which had led to the resignation of Telecom Minister, Mr A. Raja. He was later arrested and is still in custody.

“Ms Niira Radia and Mr Ratan Tata have been called on April 4 to discuss their role in the 2G allocation. On April 5, representatives of four companies — Swan Telecom, Reliance, Airtel and Unitech — have been asked to present themselves,” they said.

After editors of Outlook and Open magazines were called in the 2G spectrum case to question them on the revelations made in their respective publications about tapes regarding Ms Radia's telephonic conversations with captains of industry and important journalists, it was clear that she would be summoned by the PAC.

The PAC Chairperson, Mr Murli Manohar Joshi, as well as several members of the panel had expressed “satisfaction and happiness” with the deposition made by Mr Vinod Mehta ( Outlook ) and Mr Manu Joseph ( Open ).

The tapes brought to light Ms Radia allegedly lobbying with journalists and important people to influence formation of the UPA-II cabinet, especially the Telecom portfolio. Ms Radia is allegedly heard in the tapes making a case for Mr Raja to get the telecom portfolio and ensure that Mr Dayanidhi Maran (also of DMK) is kept out.

Mr Ratan Tata also figures in some of these purported conversations with Ms Radia.

Will appear before PAC: Tata

According to a Tata Sons spokesperson, Mr Ratan Tata has expressed his willingness to appear before the PAC on April 4 in connection with the developments in the telecom sector, including allocation of 2G and 3G spectrum.

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